As soon as they stepped inside, the rich aroma of simmering sauce and freshly baked bread wrapped around them like a comforting blanket, warm and familiar. It clung to the air, sinking into their clothes and skin, instantly making the house feel alive. The television murmured softly in the background, its bluish glow washing over the living room where Mrs. Noble lounged on the couch with Bella, her legs tucked beneath her.
She looked up at the sound of the door opening, and recognition lit her face.
"Good evening, Mom," Henry said, striding forward with easy confidence. He bent down and pulled her into a warm hug, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
"Evening," she replied fondly, patting his back before her gaze drifted past him—to the two girls standing hesitantly by the door. Her eyes softened immediately. She lifted a hand and beckoned gently. "Come here."
Zari and Hina exchanged a brief look before stepping forward. Zari straightened her shoulders, offering a polite smile.
"Good evening, ma'am," she greeted.
Mrs. Noble's lips curved into a wide smile. "Evening, my Zari! How are you girls?" Her eyes flicked toward Hina. "Come, sit here. And you must be Hina—make yourself at home."
Hina nodded shyly and eased herself onto the couch beside Bella, her movements careful, restrained. Zari followed, sitting closer to Mrs. Noble.
"Zari, you promised to visit me last week," Mrs. Noble said, tilting her head with a mock frown. "What happened? You didn't show."
"I've been busy, ma'am," Zari replied softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But now I'm here."
"Enough with the formalities," Mrs. Noble waved a dismissive hand. "Call me Mom, okay?"
Zari nodded obediently. Hina rolled her eyes slightly at her friend's innocent act, earning herself a quick side glance.
"I kept asking about you," Mrs. Noble continued. "Henry kept saying you were busy—didn't you tell her, Henry?"
Henry only shrugged, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
"I told you girls were coming," Mrs. Noble went on. "I'm preparing some sauce; Eric went to fetch bread. It's not much, but you both will have to manage."
"That's perfectly fine," Zari replied quickly.
"Bella," Mrs. Noble called, turning her head. "Go take their bags to your room."
Bella, who had been standing near the door with an eager smile, nodded enthusiastically. "On it!"
"You girls will be sleeping with Bella," Mrs. Noble said, her tone apologetic but warm. "If there were a spare room, I'd have offered it, but there isn't. Please make yourselves at home and don't mind the tight space."
"Thank you, Mrs. Noble," Hina said quietly, sinking deeper into the couch.
"Don't mention it, dear."
Mrs. Noble's gaze lingered on Hina longer than necessary. Though she tried to focus on Zari, her eyes kept drifting back, filled with something between concern and pity. Hina noticed. She knew why. Henry must have told his mother about the arranged marriage.
Soon Bella returned and plopped down beside Hina, her shoulder brushing hers. Mrs. Noble turned toward her.
"Is the food ready?" she asked.
Bella nodded, her eyes already drifting back to the TV.
"Go check," Mrs. Noble said firmly.
Bella hopped up and disappeared into the kitchen.
"Hina," Bella called from the kitchen doorway, "please come help me carry the pot to the dining table."
"Is it ready?" Mrs. Noble asked.
Bella nodded from the doorway.
"Okay. Hina, Please accompany her so you both can carry the pot."
Hina rose and followed Bella into the kitchen. The warmth intensified there, steam fogging the air. The pot sat heavy on the stove.
"Here," Hina said, gripping one side. "Hold this part while I take the right."
Bella nodded, bracing herself. Together, they lifted it carefully, moving slowly, their steps synchronized.
They reached the dinning table placing it down with a soft thud, After setting it down,Bella glanced at Hina, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Are you and Zari related?"
"Yeah," Hina said casually. "She's my twin."
"Oh," Bella murmured, her gaze flicking instinctively toward Zari in the dining area. She frowned slightly. They looked nothing alike.
Hina caught the look and smirked. "Don't believe that nonsense about us being twins. She's my best friend. But I guess we're 'twin-ish' in a way."
"Ah," Bella laughed. "Alright."
Soon Mrs. Noble arrived with Zari, Henry trailing behind. They took their seats while Mrs. Noble remained standing, dishing sauce into ceramic plates.
"Here you go," she said, handing Zari her bowl.
At that moment, the front door creaked open.
"Who's that?" Mrs. Noble asked, still focused on the food. She raised her voice. "Eric?"
"I was about to send your sister to call you," she added sarcastically. "Maybe next time we should spread a mat there since you always take forever getting bread."
Henry frowned. "What happened to you?"
Mrs. Noble turned—and froze.
Eric stood there, face bruised, clothes torn. Her eyes widened in horror.
"Oh my goodness," she gasped, dropping the spatula.
Without a word, Eric dropped the bread to the floor and stormed down the hallway, slamming his door shut.
"Eric," Henry called softly.
"Eric…" his mother called again. Silence answered.
Forcing a smile, Mrs. Noble turned back to the girls. She picked up the bread, placed slices onto their plates.
"Hina, Zari, please enjoy your meal. Don't mind, okay?"
They nodded quietly.
She gathered the sauce pot and headed toward Eric's room, Henry following.
Bella slid into her seat beside the girls. "So… you like the sauce?"
Hina smiled politely. "Yes. It's delicious."
Bella laughed. "I made it. I'm not that great at cooking, you know. When I first came here, Mom dragged me into the kitchen, saying no man wants a girl who doesn't know how to cook."
She rolled her eyes dramatically and sighed. Hina studied her silently. No woman wants to be a housewife. The thought made her stomach churn, her mind drifting back to the arranged marriage—to the crippled man. Disgust washed over her.
Bella's voice snapped her back.
"By the way, how does it feel being in a day school? Mixed school too. My school's an all-girls Catholic boarding—no boys to mess with."
Hina and Zari exchanged glances, suppressing laughter.
"The last time we tried sneaking out," Bella continued, "the Reverend Sister caught us. The punishment was huge. Ugh! I would've loved to go clubbing. Have you girls ever gone clubbing?"
She leaned closer, grinning. "And you're both so beautiful. Especially you, Zari—you're gorgeous."
Bella paused, eyes sparkling. "If I were that beautiful, I'd have like five rich boyfriends. Dumping each one weekly. Why settle for one when you can have many? Rich ones, of course."
Wow, Hina thought. Someone just stole my crown.
"I just love that you're with my brother," Bella added casually. "If you ever marry him, at least the babies won't be ugly. I'll be a one-of-a-kind aunt."
She laughed, stood up, then sat again. "Please don't tell Henry we talked about this."
She walked off toward the kitchen. "Let me go arrange the room so you girls can sleep."
Zari turned to Hina. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Hina said, though her voice felt hollow. "I just feel weird… wondering why they want to marry me off. Never mind."
She stood to take her plate away, but Zari pulled her into a hug. For once, Hina didn't push her away. Her eyes burned, but she fought the tears as she hugged back.
"I don't know what I would've done without you," Hina whispered. "I love you."
"I love you too, darling ," Zari said.
They giggled softly, holding on just a little longer.